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Craig got in touch quickly, gave me a rough estimate over the phone and answered all my questions. Surveyor arrived on time, gave instant quote. Price was good. Michael and (another) Craig turned up to do the job on the day, time given. Good, tidy job. Can't fault anything, from start to finish!! Would recommend!
Mary
George and his team are experienced builders, replaced my front door with a custom frame/sidelights and raising the floor level in the hallway quite quickly - in fact, they were the only who came next day, gave a quote straightaway and were ready to start in just couple of days. They also had all the necessary tools and materials, were ready to buy something additional quickly on the day - if further adjustments were required to fit everything as I asked. Thanks a lot for your help, guys!
Dmitry
Highly recommend. These guys did a fantastic job of constructing our pergola and decking. Very hardworking and reliable. The job was completed in the time frame agreed and to a very high standard. We would 100% use them again.
Holly
Foundations, underpinning and piling are complex, technical services that require the know-how of specialist groundworkers and engineers. More than any other part of your home, it pays to invest in solid foundations, so find a professional you can trust today.
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Underpinning, piling and foundation construction – Rated People
When it comes to foundations and underpinning, the name tells you everything you need to know about their importance to your home. This specialist groundwork quite literally provides the base your home is built on. And that’s why it’s absolutely vital the professionals you use are experienced experts who know what they’re doing.
The complexity of foundations (and underpinning or piling, if required) depends on the structure you’re building, and the state of the ground your home or plot sits on. Basic foundations involve filling trenches (dug precisely according to plans) with a layer of solid concrete and then building blockwork up to ground level. Alternatively, an entire trench can be filled with concrete to just below ground level before adding damp proof coursing.
Piling is becoming an increasing popular alternative to standard footings or foundations. It involves driving piles into the ground, which are made from steel, concrete or even wood. A ground beam then sits atop the foundation, which your structure can be built on.
Underpinning is required when existing foundations have become defective, and to counter issues like subsidence. The appropriate method will be recommended by an experienced groundwork specialist and potentially a structural engineer too. The standard approach to underpinning involves excavating specific sections below the footing and reinforcing them with concrete. Piling techniques provide an alternative to traditional underpinning and can be used in situations where there’s restricted access. Not only is piling faster than standard underpinning, but it has a higher load capability and less disruption. Those benefits come at a cost though, and you’ll find piling is significantly pricier than standard concrete underpinning.
Cost of foundations, underpinning and piling
It pays to invest in foundations, but quite how much you’ll need to invest depends on the type of foundations you require. Basic foundation laying involves the following steps (excluding site clearance and the setting out of footings):
- Excavation: £7-£10 per sqm
- Laying foundations (concrete and blockwork): £40-£60 per sqm
Piling costs are typically significantly higher than standard foundations – anywhere from 2-3 times more expensive than the concrete and blockwork method.
Similarly, underpinning costs vary according to the issue that needs to be resolved, and the method selected. For mass concrete underpinning you can expect to pay between £1,000-£2,000 per linear metre.
How to build a foundation
Basic foundations follow a fairly simple process. After you’ve consulted a structural engineer and have all the necessary plans approved, the first step is to dig out trenches. Your groundwork professional may recommend a ground survey before any digging begins. This process involves creating trial holes to ensure the foundation method you plan to use is appropriate. With (or without) that survey complete, footings can then be dug to the agreed level.
The next phase involves laying concrete into the base of the trench to at least 250mm in depth. Blockwork is then built up to floor level. This method is called a strip foundation. Alternatively, a technique known as “trenchfill” involves (unsurprisingly) filling the trench with concrete to just below ground level. Both methods are completed with the application of a damp-proof course onto which the ground floor can be installed.
How does piling work
There are three main piling techniques: screw piling, pile and beam, and piled raft.
Screw piling is the simplest piling technique to execute. A small crew of ground-workers can install screw piles and brackets by hand or with the assistance of a small excavator. This method is well-suited to walls and larger structures, when used with supporting brackets. Screw piling offers a number of benefits, including ease of installation, lower costs and reduced environmental impact.
The pile and beam method involves installing mini-piles either side of a wall. Brickwork can then be removed below the affected wall, and a reinforced concrete needle beam inserted to connect the piles. The pile and beam technique is well-suited to homes on smaller plots, or with restricted access. It’s also faster and less messy than traditional mass concrete underpinning and is capable of bearing high loads.
Finally, there’s the piled raft approach. Piled raft foundations are required when an entire building needs to be underpinned, when foundations can’t be accessed or where soil conditions aren’t suitable for any other method. Piles are placed into the ground and needle beams are installed to help bear the load. A ring beam links the needles together and the structure is then filled with concrete.
When does a house need underpinning?
Cracked walls, ceilings or flooring are the tell-tale signs that you may need to have all or part of your home underpinned. Diagonal cracks, or those that reach a quarter of an inch or larger, are classic symptoms of faulty foundations, or problematic ground conditions. More severe warning signs are walls beginning to buckle. Underpinning, either using the mass concrete method or any of the piling techniques outlined above, can help to remedy these problems.
While underpinning is usually associated with foundation problems, it can also be required if you’re planning to add another floor to a building, or if it needs to stand up to increased load-bearing requirements.
The qualifications your foundation, piling or underpinning professional needs
Foundations and piling or underpinning will almost always require the expertise of a structural engineer. They will be able to advise on load bearing considerations, as well as the most appropriate technique to use (taking ground and soil conditions into account). Choose an experienced professional who holds chartered status from the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The groundworkers carrying out your excavation work should also be experienced, though they won’t need formal accreditation. A diploma, City and Guilds qualification or evidence of completing an apprenticeship is always helpful, but ultimately you should look for a proven track record of delivering groundwork services to a high standard and complete customer satisfaction.
Planning permission for foundation, piling or underpinning work
How and where you lay foundations will be determined by the planning permission you’ve been granted. This will be decided by your local planning authority, and unless an unforeseen issue crops up you’ll need to stick closely to what you’ve been given permission for.
When it comes to underpinning, you won’t require planning permission to remedy a fault with your foundations. The only exception here is a listed building, which may have certain limitations.
Insurance for foundation, piling or underpinning work
It’s crucial that your professional holds public liability insurance, to cover your property against damage. Such is the importance of this work, most structural engineers will also hold professional indemnity insurance, protecting them in case anything goes wrong with the services they’ve provided.
Questions you should ask your foundation, piling or underpinning professional
- For standard foundations, which method would they use (and why)?
- Will they be using a strip or trenchfill foundation?
- For underpinning, which technique would they advise on (and why)?
- For piling, what is the most cost-effective option available?
- Can they provide a warranty (or do they have professional indemnity insurance) to cover their work?
Integrity and hard work are the essence of this small company.
Ben is a highly competent and reliable builder. He completed our kitchen/garage conversion and bathroom work efficiently and to a great standard. Ours was a complex job with many different components all of which Ben tackled with no complaints, routinely offering practical solutions to any issues that arose which enabled us to retain our look and feel while keeping to budget. With us for nearly 7 weeks, Ben was very friendly at all times and we felt totally happy leaving him alone with keys to the house.
Keen Resources: Elevating Your Spaces for Years to Come Welcome to Keen Resources, your trusted partner in building and property maintenance solutions. Established in 2014 and proudly located in the vibrant North West London area, we are your go-to team for all your construction needs. At Keen Resources, we bring a wealth of experience to the table, with a family-run business that boasts a remarkable 25-year track record. We specialise in providing a wide range of services to Residential, Commercial, and Estate Agent clients, ensuring that every project is executed with the utmost precision and professionalism. Our dedicated team of experts covers a diverse spectrum of services, including: General Building: From the ground up, we craft solid foundations for your dreams to take shape. Roofing: Our experts ensure your property is protected from the elements with top-notch roofing solutions. Electrics: Safe and reliable electrical services to keep your property powered efficiently. Kitchen and Bathroom: Transforming these essential spaces into stunning, functional areas you'll love. Refurbishments: Breathing new life into tired spaces, making them vibrant and appealing. Plumbing: Efficient plumbing services to keep your property's water systems in excellent condition. Carpentry: Craftsmanship that adds character and functionality to your interiors. Tiling: Precision tiling work to enhance the aesthetics of your property. Painting and Decorating: Creating inviting and visually pleasing environments. Handymen (Multi-Skilled): Versatile experts ready to tackle any project with skill and efficiency. At Keen Resources, we are not just builders; we are partners in bringing your vision to life. We take immense pride in our commitment to delivering superior quality, meeting deadlines, and exceeding your expectations. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every project, big or small, deserves the same level of care and attention. With Keen Resources, you can trust that your project is in capable hands, and the end result will be nothing short of exceptional. Experience the difference with Keen Resources, where excellence in construction meets a passion for customer satisfaction. Contact us today and let's embark on a journey to turn your property dreams into reality.
Erjo's Home Improvements
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Founded on a legacy of craftmanship and dedication, Erjo's Home Improvements brings over 13 years experience to every project. Our expertise in roofing, home extensions, bathroom and kitchen renovations, and more, stems from a trade learned and perfected by our founder alongside his father. As a family business, we value the traditions of quality and integrity that have been passed down through generations. Our skilled team of four is united by a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, and transforming homes with precision and care. At Erjo's Home Improvements we treat your home as if it were our own, ensuring each project reflects our commitment to excellence and the personal touch that defines our family heritage.
S.M Luxurious Designs is a family-run construction and property improvement company, established in 2016, delivering high-quality workmanship across residential and commercial projects. We specialise in full property renovations, extensions, conversions, bespoke builds and smart home solutions, offering a complete end-to-end service that removes the stress from building works. From initial consultation and design through to final handover, every project is carefully planned, professionally managed and completed to the highest standards. Our expertise spans general building, structural works, loft and garage conversions, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, landscaping, drainage, roofing, electrical and gas works, as well as renewable energy solutions, underfloor heating, EV charging, smart home automation, security systems, and swimming pool installation and refurbishment. We pride ourselves on: \\\\t�\\\\tExceptional quality craftsmanship \\\\t�\\\\tClean, organised and well-managed sites \\\\t�\\\\tClear communication at every stage \\\\t�\\\\tReliable timelines and transparent pricing Our collaborative approach means we work closely with our clients to understand their vision and deliver practical, cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or design. Whether it�s a single trade, a complex extension, a smart home upgrade, or a fully managed build, we bring the same attention to detail and professionalism to every job. At S.M Luxurious Designs, our philosophy is simple: build it properly, manage it professionally, and exceed expectations every time.
Mike was very responsive and whilst there were some glitches getting things back up and running, he was unstinting in his efforts and his time. I would thoroughly recommend Mike for household plumbing work and we will certainly use him for our next job in the Spring.
Aleks Nesterovas
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are general builders with over 20 years of experience, of which 12 is in UK. Our speciality is residential renovations, extensions, loft conversions, bathroom installations, 1st and 2nd fix carpentry, metal fabrication. We take on small to medium size projects and the list of specialist subcontractors, that we are working with for years, enables us to offer a full service and complete the project, however small or difficult, from start to finish. The typical projects we take on are: Carpentry: floors, doors, kitchen installations, bespoke or “of the shelf” outdoors buildings and sheds, wooden window renovation and installation, staircases installation, loft ladders install. Building of new “dry walls” suspended ceilings, creating openings in structural walls, upgrading loft insulation, improving acoustic characteristics of walls and ceilings. Bathroom renovations. Complete strip out of the old bathrooms and installation of the new bathrooms with electrical heated floors, wet rooms, recessed shower trays, glass doors, tiling etc. Structural repairs of sagging floors, cracked walls, rotten roofs and fascia boards, guttering replacement, detection of leaks and problems leading to humidity. Metal fabrication. We can repair, replace metal railings, gates, fencing. Structural repair or replacement of metal structures such as garage roofs, gates. We also do small home improvements, repairs on a call out charge basis. So if You have many little things that needs fixing, adjusting or replacing we can send a handy man on a day rate to fix as many as possible.
Polish High Quality
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
My Customers - My Responsibility. Building company - Renovation and Restoration , Handyman's work , Domestic work , Professional Quality, Terms Guarantees . Thanks everyone my customers for 160 and more positive (5 stars) feedback .
Carried out my job quickly and efficiently, no fuss at all. Also did a quick repair on something else whilst he was there. Would highly recommend.
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We pride ourselves with providing a local friendly service. With over 20 years experience in construction covering all aspects We are fully insured , qualified and cover all aspects of carpentry and construction Within our community. Get in contact today for a free estimate, Alternatively. Find us on instagram. All callouts or estimations are subject to a clear fee structure. Any costs�such as a callout fee�will be explicitly communicated in writing before any date or time is confirmed. No work will be scheduled without prior agreement on all applicable charges. Full payment terms are available on request.
Sam gave a good price to supply and install solid oak stair cladding his workmanship was exceptional and outstanding. He was a lovely man couldn’t do enough for us. He cleaned up after himself. He come when he said he would come. He finished the job as when he said he would finish the job, he was very kind very friendly and the Work was very reasonably priced. I can’t make the Man high enough. He was a lovely man and his Work is outstanding..
DD Roofing
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are a professional company based in Llandudno Junction. We have 3 roofing teams available for all aspects in the industry. We have been trading over 10 years with a lot of experience. All of us are have CSCS cards and the qualified roofers have a NVQ in roofing. We are approved installer with EPDM rubber roofing, GRP fibreglass and Velux certified. The work we provide is of a good quality and the prices are fair.
Axminster Design & Build
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
We are a medium sized firm in Axminster, Devon. We cover all of Devon, some of Dorset and some of Somerset. Established in 2018 we have gone from strength to strength. Whether it be a large new build project or a small garden landscaping job we are competent and experienced. We have 12-15 operatives and can provide every aspect of your project from Architectural and Design and planning all the way down to the cleaning before you move in. We work with our clients to ensure we deliver their project to the level they imagined and deserve. We also do lots of work in the commercial sector, factory and warehouse projects. Installation of fire doors, concrete floors, entrance ramps, drainage, parking areas to name a few recent projects. Being members of The Federation of Master Builders, Trustmark and LABC we can offer guarantees and peace of mind to all our customers, existing and new. We are also qualified in asbestos removal, we are first aid trained, and provide full Health and Safety reports before and during all jobs. We never compromise on the safety and wellbeing of our team or anyone on our sites.
sole trader operation with over 35 yrs continuous experience. trade indentured, city&guilds1st and time served.all aspects of brickwork with particular concentration to repointing, restoration,strengthening& surface cleaning.all lime& Portland mortar done
With years of experience in the building industry and a strong track record of positive client feedback, we specialize in delivering high-quality renovation and construction projects. From full kitchen and bathroom renovations to loft and garage conversions, home extensions, and bespoke garden rooms or offices — we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Our focused, hands-on approach means every project receives our full attention from start to finish. We don’t split our time across multiple jobs — instead, we commit fully to each client to ensure efficiency, clear timelines, and exceptional results. We pride ourselves on our strong work ethic, where customer satisfaction always comes before profit. We offer free consultations and maintain clear, consistent communication throughout every stage of the project. Our goal is simple: to deliver outstanding work and ensure our clients are fully satisfied at every step.
My company’s service and experience relates to • Full unit renovation such as kitchen and bathroom,carpentry,painting, flooring, molding, tiling, handyman services etc. We give our customer high-quality finish,clean and reliable service.
Hi I’m Joe of JAS Property Maintenance and also JSB Bespoke metal and woodwork. I have recently gone back to working on my own but I have been in the building trade since I was young working with family members then to college to pass my brickwork picked up a lot along the way working with many trades which I find makes me unique as I can come in and do most things you may need. The metal and woodwork side has been the more recent years even though I still did the building and house renovating on weekends but I can make gates, fencing, security bars, fancy art products and much more. Hope to do work for you in the near future Joe
Joe and his team were absolutely brilliant they have done a fantastic job. Very clean and professional. Would recommend them to anyone who needs work done. I am looking to get more work done by then.
Lindley Developments are committed to offering first class products and services at competitive prices. We have over 40 years experience in the construction industry, providing roofing works, building, Internal alterations and all types of glazing.
Immediate response and great work
JPW BUILDING SOLUTIONS LTD
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
Been in the building industry for the past 28 years
HC Interiors offers interior design & decoration services, remodels homes, installs kitchens, bathrooms & flooring. See the website for examples of previous work & references.
Great guy, great job that I love more each day
Excellent quality of work, knows what he's doing, good communication.
B.W Building Solutions
Underpinning / Piling / Foundations
20+ years experience BW Building Solutions is built on a foundation of reputation, knowledge, and customer satisfaction. Specialists in Roofing, Loft Conversions, and Extensions, we cover all building needs, including Plastering Joinery Drainage Plumbing Decking Driveways and more..........
DJR Building Solutions is a trusted building company based in the West Midlands, specialising in high-quality extensions, conversions, structural alterations, and bespoke kitchen and bathroom installations. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we deliver tailored solutions that bring your vision to life. Our experienced team ensures every project is completed to the highest standards, on time and within budget.
They did the full job and a bit more, they cleaned up everything and took all the rubbish away, They charged a reasonable price as well.
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